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Forum Discussion
RBR/S850 -Configuration Backup anomalies
Hi,
I unsuccessfully endeavoured to backup my RBR/S850 devices this evenning utilising the Netgear support resource "How do I backup the configuration settings on my Orbi WiFi System - Administration-Backup Settings", experiencing the following outcomes:
1. after selecting 'Backup' under ' Save a copy of current settings' the initial response was the file was blocked because of a perceived unspecified hacking threat however, after several repeated attempts a config file was downloaded "NETGEAR_RBR850.cfg".
2. I opted for Notepad to view the contents and the outcome was a document rendered in an Asian text, which seemed to be untranslatable for this user.
3. Subsequently, I discovered some Netgear users opinions which basically discouraged the backup activity on the premise of what I term as 'process weaknesses and avoidable threats'.
4. Furthermore, and without explanation, it appears that Firmware updates V4.6.7.13 and V4.6.8.2 are no longer readily discoverable, and writers are recommending users stay with V4.6.3..... ? This is consistent with my experience this week with the setup app.
I was always given to understand that Netgear was a reputable and reliable edge equipment provider however, the above experiences concerns me as a recent purchaser of an Orbi solution.
Accordingly, could someone provide an effective solution to a fundamental need for an effective backup system for the ORBI RBR/S850 devices that would instill confidence in this new user and,
why the two abovementioned firmware upgrades are no longer readily discoverable or have they been withdrawn.
Kind regards,
Veranah
4 Replies
veranah wrote:
Hi,
I unsuccessfully endeavoured to backup my RBR/S850 devices this evenning utilising the Netgear support resource "How do I backup the configuration settings on my Orbi WiFi System - Administration-Backup Settings", experiencing the following outcomes:
1. after selecting 'Backup' under ' Save a copy of current settings' the initial response was the file was blocked because of a perceived unspecified hacking threat however, after several repeated attempts a config file was downloaded "NETGEAR_RBR850.cfg". What broswer are you using? This would be browser issue that maybe it's security features seens this as a security issue rather than just a download. I see this sometimes in MS Edge.
2. I opted for Notepad to view the contents and the outcome was a document rendered in an Asian text, which seemed to be untranslatable for this user. The .cfg file is in binary and thus on readable normally using a text editior for security reasons.
3. Subsequently, I discovered some Netgear users opinions which basically discouraged the backup activity on the premise of what I term as 'process weaknesses and avoidable threats'. Where are you seeing this? It's recommended to ALWAYS have a backup configuration safed to file for safe keeping. Helps save time if a factory reset is needed.
4. Furthermore, and without explanation, it appears that Firmware updates V4.6.7.13 and V4.6.8.2 are no longer readily discoverable, and writers are recommending users stay with V4.6.3..... ? This is consistent with my experience this week with the setup app.
v4.6.7x and v4.6.8 versions of FW have been pulled from public use. NG is aware of recent FW issues:
veranah wrote:2. I opted for Notepad to view the contents and the outcome was a document rendered in an Asian text, which seemed to be untranslatable for this user.
The CFG file is in binary and not meant to be human-readable. It's a compact and proprietary format meant only for writing (during backup) and reading (during restore) by Orbi. Notepad cannot interpret it and will instead treat the binary code as Unicode text, that's why you saw gibberish.
- Orbi back configuration files are not plain text. There is a utility program on the internet that decodes config files into ASCII text. There is no security issue with making backups.
Here is a compiled version of that tool (Windows): https://www.dropbox.com/s/3w1pss8hqk9c2q3/orbicfg.exe?dl=0
Source code is here: https://github.com/Fysac/orbicfg
